<p>I'm a junior currently studying in Egypt, but I do have the American Citizenship. Just some background info lol. Anyway, I am currently stressing like crazy (have been stressing for two years now) because of universities. I want to apply to UPenn for Economics.. but I feel like I have no chance. I have never taken the SAT or PSAT.. only a diagnostic exam done at a test center (800 Math, 650 CR, 610 W [2060 composite]... at home, during practice tests, I score usually the same). Due to my living circumstances.. my english is sub-par compared to those Ivy aimers living in the states, which worries me. I know I can easily achieve an 800 on the SAT maths, but the english... I am worried I cannot achieve a lousy 700 in each. i also have a 3.92 (out of 4) GPA.</p>
<p>On the extra-curricular front, I am doing as much as I possibly can (Egypt doesn't give you many options). I am the Secretary General of my schools MUN, I've competed in an International Debate competition (Placing third), and am the student body president.. but that is it. There is honestly nothing else i can do.. i have introduced many programs into my school such as the student run school store, our involvement in intra-scholar Venture business competitions, but those aren't things to put on an application.</p>
<p>I am lost, and worried that my crappy circumstances will destroy my chances at UPenn.. What should I do?</p>
<p>I’m assuming you’re egyptian (ethnicity) right ?</p>
<p>If so, i’d guess you are considered Under represented Minority, which will probably help a lot. </p>
<p>On the other hand for the EC’s, i think they are able to understand egypt doesn’t give you many options, as long as you tried your best to do as much as you could and show it to them it’s good. </p>
<p>For your english you should try to read as much as you can, and of all genres (fiction, historical, newspapers etc…) it will really help, for both CR and writing. And you’re applying for Economics anyways, so 800 in math should be your main goal. If i were you i would work hard and take it in spring of 2015. And then take it a second time after the summer beginning senior year (so you can work on it during summer). </p>
<p>Take as much practice tests as you can, and understand your mistakes. You’ll see that the SAT follows a lot of simple patterns, once you notice this you’ll be able to make educated guesses, and answer easy questions very quickly.</p>
<p>I am confident that Penn will be understanding of your situation as far as ECs go; however, I doubt that they will forgive below average SAT scores as easily. Read a lot, take as many College Board practice tests as possible, and master the basics of English grammar. Also, demonstrate that you have taken your ECs as far as possible and really worked to advance your interests. </p>
<p>Above all, emphasize how your experience in Egypt has shaped you an individual.</p>